NIVERSITY  OF  CAL  FORNIA   SAN  0  EGO 


3  1822  00204  6159 


D    000675543    3 


MIRZA~MEM'N 


JNIVERSTYOFCALFO   NA   SAN  D  EG 


3  1822  00204  6159 


LA  JOLLA.  CALIFORNIA 


of 


CHICAGO.   ILLINOIS.    U.S.A. 

HENRY  OLENDORF  SHEPARD 
1901 


COPYRKiMTKI)   BV 

HKNRV  OLENDORF   SHEPARU 

CHICAGO,  ll.l...  f.  S.  A. 
1901 


THIRD    EDITION 


PRINTED  BY  THE  HKNRV  O.  SHHPARD  Co. 

212-214  MONROE  STREET, 

CHICAGO.  Ii.u 


Co  tljoge  genuine 
^ig^  p»rie$t$  in 
t^e  Cemple  of  Mature, 
earnest  anti  un< 
labors  alone 
made  it  po^ible 
for  manfeinD  to  Differ^ 
entiate^  fcetelop  anD 
improte, 


; 


I  Kl 


"Hnd  Sir  CCliUiam  said  grave  grace,  and  they  spake 
polite,  devout  things  to  one  another;  and  they  are  van 
ished,  they  and  their  things  and  speeches — all  silent  lihe 
the  echoes  of  the  old  nightingales  that  sang  that  season ; 
like  the  blossoms  of  the  old  roses;  O  Death!  O  Cime!" 


C. 


"  Gvery  heart  in  which  ficavcn  hath  set  the  lamp  of 
Hove,  whether  that  heart  incline  to  the  mosque  or  syna 
gogue,  if  its  name  be  written  in  the  booh  of  love,  it  is 
freed  from  the  fear  of  hell  and  the  hope  of  paradise.** 

OMAR    KHAYYAM. 


EXPLANATORY    NOTE.. 

Chose  stanzas  of  the  Rubaiyat,  the  numbers  of  which 
are  indicated  below,  are  all  more  or  less  literally  para 
phrased  from  McCarthy's  elegant  prose  translation  of  the 
Rubaiyat  of  Omar  Khayyam. 

S.  6,  7»  H»  1*»  »4»  >8,  '9f  23,  24,  29  tO  33,  36,  37f 

,  44»  5  it  52»54»  56,  57>  60,  61,  79,  80,  85  to 


Rubaiyat 


LGGP  on.    '"Cis  now  the  waning  hour  of  night, 
Olhen  wings  afar  Queen  ]Mab  her  magic  flight, 

"In  shape  no  bigger  than  an  agate  stone," 
'Co  bring  bright  visions  to  thy  psychic  sight. 


r> 


II 

O<fl  briefly  iridescent  dreams  abide: 
Chose  lovely  visions,  but  in  sleep  descried, 

In  garish  daylight,  vanish  as  a  mist. 
Chen  sleep;  and  may  thy  dreams  be  multiplied. 


r> 


Ill 

not  the  call  of  Muezzin  austere; 
No  rude  alarum  breaking  on  thine  ear, 

Dream  on  till  eve ;  and  then  awake  to  me 
Hnd  Music  in  the  twilight,  doubly  dear. 


IV 

f)6N  wearied  labor  to  its  rest  retires, 
Hs  Sunset  kindles  in  the  west,  the  Pyres 

Of  dying  day,  the  evening  Star,  with  Chec, 
Shall  wake  the  harmony  my  soul  desires. 


S  twilight  deepens,  and  soft  shadows  creep 
Hround  us;  from  the  arching,  azure  deep, 

H  golden  blazonry  of  stars  proclaims 
"Chat  Night  was  made  for  Music,  not  for  sleep. 


VII 


TJS  youths  and  maidens,  in  their  happiness, 

Dance  down  the  forest  aisles  in  flow'ry  dress, 

Wy  wanton  waste  of  wine  shall  change  the  sward 
Co  beds  of  tulips,  where  their  footsteps  press. 


Ill 

f"«V  r  the  call  of  Muezzin  austere; 

md«  alarum  breaking  on  thine  ear, 

cam  on  till  eve :  and  then  awafte  to  me 
«  Music  in  the  Cwilight,  doubly  dear. 


nv 


\vi»j^|ftl*iMbdvHl^>.t*l»^<|l^ 
watte  the  harmony  my  soul  desires. 


•K 


deepen*,  and  soft  shadows  creep 
»;  from  the  arching,  arurc  deep, 
•n  blazonry  of  stars  proclaims 
it  was  made  for  JMusic,  not  for  sleep. 


r- 


VI 


IF>6  "Scattering  of  Roses "  comes  tonight: 
My  soul  cxultcth  in  the  mad  delight 
Of  breaking  Law,  as  writ  in  Hlfcoran: 
many  a  cup  I'll  crush  in  sheer  despite. 


VII 


8  youths  and  maidens,  in  their  happiness, 
Dance  down  the  forest  aisles  in  flow'ry  dress, 

)My  wanton  waste  of  wine  shall  change  the  sward 
'Co  beds  of  tulips,  where  their  footsteps  press. 


VIII 


6  tfamshid's  Cup  is  lost:— but  yet  who  knows? 
•for,  in  the  chalice  of  the  Crimson  Rose, 
"Che  crystal  dewdrops  gleam  like  ruby  wine; 
o'  Iram's  hidden,  still  the  <ZZine-cup  glows. 


IX 

rNLOCK  those  lips:— one  note  I  then  might  win 
from  that  too  silent  Nightingale  within 

Chose  Scarlet  Lips,  Love ;  and  those  dewdrops  sip, 
<Qhich,  envious  grow  still  more  incarnadine. 


KILL  high  the  Cdine-jar;  ere  the  stars  grow  dim, 
3Qe'll  drown  Remorse.    <Kle  must  indulge  our  whim, 
•for  Life  is  short,  our  empty  dreams  but  shine, 
Hnd  break,  like  Bubbles  on  the  Beaker's  brim. 


XI 


earth's  vagaries,  do  not  question  me; 
JVor  yet  regarding  things  which  arc  to  be. 
Regard  the  present  hour  as  plunder  reft 
from  sad,  uncertain  human  destiny. 


not  thyself  anent  dead,  bygone  things; 
what  the  dim,  inchoate  future  brings. 
"Chis  fleeting  life  is  but  a  trophy  snatched— 
H  plume  down-drifting  from  Cime's  rapid  wings. 


XIII 

F)6JV  cull  the  flower,  ere  its  bloom  is  shed; 
Live  swiftly  till  the  vital  sparh  has  fled. 

Che  life  we  live  is  short;  but  O  the  length 
Of  endless  Gons,  after  we  are  dead. 


XIV 


in  Bagdad,  or  in  Ispahan, 
Sdhethcr  Simooms  blast,  or  soft  Zephyrs  fan 

Our  brows,  the  Golden  Sand  is  spilling  fast; 
Bach  hour  grown  briefer,  since  sweet  life  began* 


XV 

OCl  say,  each  night,  in  robes  of  white  lace,  bloom 
"Che  jNtght-flow'rs,  pouring  floods  of  sweet  perfume; 

But  Morning  breaks  upon  each  withered  flow'r, 
H  scentless  blossom  on  dead  Beauty's  tomb. 


//,. 


XVI 

GLL,  but  what  of  that;  we  have  no  concern; 
Chese  flowers  yet  may  scr\>e  a  useful  turn, 

Hs  mournful  eidolons  of  wasted  youth, 
Laid  softly  on  our  cinerary  urn. 


XVII 

urns  of  ashes  merit  scant  respect, 
If  Golden  Bowls  of  life  are  never  decked 

Cdith  wreaths  on  wreaths  of  roses  odorous 
"Che  living,  not  the  dead,  can  feel  neglect. 


XVIII 


H 


]MHN  is  but  a  3ar;  bis  soul  is  SOine. 
Upfilling  it  with  spirit  of  the  Tine, 

Cahich  to  his  pleasures  is  a  stimulant, 
Hnd  to  his  sorrows  is  an  anodyne. 


XIX 


>8  Death,  like  Life,  is  but  a  harmless  truth, 
I  dread  it  not,  but  mourn  departing  youth. 

Che  wine  still  mantles;  but  the  sodden  jar 
Decaying,  yields  to  Circle's  remorseless  tooth. 


f)6  hope  of  Immortality  depends 
Hlone,  on  love  of  mortal  life,  which  ends 

Most  opportunely;  and  the  outworn  clay 
SQitb  other  clay  inevitably  blends. 


GRG  endless  life,  which  man  dcsiretb, 
But  granted  to  him,  hie  immortal  breath 

ftlould  e\>er  waste  in  wild,  impassioned  prayer 
"Co  rest  forever  in  eternal  death. 


XXII 

Life's  short  day  with  happiness  be  blest, 
"Chrice  welcome  Death's  long  night  of  peaceful  rest. 
Divested  of  our  anxious  hopes  and  fears, 
seeh  the  shelter  of  our  Mother's  breast. 


XXIII 


,  the  time  has  come,  for  Garth  to  be 
JVIahmood's  banner  green.    Che  Hlmond-tree 
3s  snowy-white,  as  once  was  Closes'  hand, 

he  outstretched  it,  white  with  leprosy. 


ik*o  life,  which  man  dcaircth, 
Sot  •-.--  uncd  to  him,  h(«  immortal  breath 

ever  waste  in  wild,  impassioned  prayer 
1  tore\>er  in  eternal  death. 


mxx 


rest. 


.<{eotqsj  dtw  at/dw  t 


,  the  time  has  come,  for  Garth  to  be 
Like  JMabmood's  banner  green.    "Che  Hlrnond-tree 

Hs  snowy-white,  as  once  was  JMoses'  hand, 
CCIhcn  he  outstretched  it,  white  with  leprosy. 


OCCZ,  quickened  by  the  breath  of  Hllah,  Garth 
Brings  forth  her  myriads  at  one  mighty  birth; 

Hnd  bows  of  promise,  in  the  rainy  shies, 
Presage  the  richness  of  the  harvest's  worth. 


xxv 


'OJM6,  fly  with  me,  to  where  wild  surges  moan 
Hround  some  Coral  Isle,  to  man  unknown; 

<flbcre  plumy  palms  are  mirrored  in  the  deep; 
Hnd  there,  together,  live  and  love  alone. 


w 


XXVI 


:Cf)  Omar's  poem,  Orient  Pearl  of  mine, 

Che  palm  slow  dripping  for  us  fragrant  wine, 

Che  "nectared  mangusteen"  bung  at  our  lips, 
Hnd  thy  low  Singing:— Hh, 'twould  be  dixnne. 


XXVII 


modest  blossom  on  the  lea, 
fields  little  nectar  to  the  toiling  bee. 

Behold,  a  thousand  roses  are  distilled, 
Co  make  one  drop  of  Httar  sweet,  for  tbee. 


XXVIII 


Lilies  toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin; 
But  ]Man,  for  reputation  bubble-thin, 

3Qill  slave  on  doggedly,  and  starve  and  die; 
Hnd  naught  but  vain  and  empty  Credit  win. 


XXIX 


IF>ecr>6R  the  sordid  old  man  pinch  and  save; 
Or  youth  spend  freely,  what  hind  fortune  gave; 
Both  -false  and  Cruc  alike,  are  buried  deep: 
Hnd  neither  resurrected  from  the  grave. 


xxx 


worrying,  and  curb  thy  greed  for  gold, 
Chat  aureate  earth,  so  hard  to  grasp  and  hold* 

Of  what  avail  is  all  thy  trafficking? 
Che  dine  of  Life  is  never  bought  nor  sold. 


XXXI 


CF>  boon  companions  comforting  thy  soul, 
"JVtinc  est  bibendtim,"  is  the  song  to  troll. 

for  in  thy  room,  when  thou  hast  ceased  to  be, 
"Chine  enemies  shall  quaff  the  flowing  bowl. 


XXXII 


If  Life's  deep  secret  to  the  heart  were  known, 
80  surely,  when  from  earth  the  soul  has  flown, 

far  out  into  abysmal  space,  'twill  know 
"Che  secrets,  which  are  known  to  God  alone. 


>,  fly  with  me,  to  where  wild  surges  moan 
H round  some  Coral  Xslc,  to  man  unknown; 

Where  plumy  palms  are  mirrored  in  the  deep; 
Hnd  there,  together,  live  and  love  alone. 


XII 

.f  Life's  deep  secret  to  the  heart  were  known, 
So  surely,  when  from  earth  the  soul  has  flown, 

r  out  into  abysmal  space,  'twill  know 
secrets,  which  arc  known  to  God  alone* 


XXXIII 

bli<*r 


vxx 


11 

Upon  the 
Cwi  solve  a  secret,  which  it  can  not  now? 


"4 ahmood's  dream,  that  if  we  sacrifice 
lines  to  Islam,  that  in  paradise, 
Che  joys  here  lost,  shall  there  be  multiplied, 
but  a  dream;  such  promises  despise* 


XXXV 

rf>6  Date-palm  blooms  in  beauty;  but  before 
Che  fruit  is  formed,  the  Khamsin  sweeping  o'er 
"Che  trackless  desert,  blasts  the  tender  buds, 
Hnd  wrests  from  man  the  promised  golden  store. 


XXXVI 


and  Clowns  have  trod  this  mimic  stage 
Of  life.    Che  Sultan  proud  and  humble  page 

Hppcar,  and  make  their  exits  from  the  scene; 
Hnd  still  the  farce  goes  on  from  age  to  age. 


xxxvn 


rF)6  tawny  Lion  roars,  and  lachals  creep 
In  JVimrod's  palace,  now  a  tumbled  heap 
Of  shapeless  shards.    Re  is  oblivious, 
Plunged  in  an  everlasting,  dreamless  sleep. 


\F9 


XXXVIII 


R  Niiwod's  kingdom  proud,  I'd  not  resign 
single  witching,  jetty  curl  of  thine, 
3dbicb  clings  caressingly  around  thy  neck, 

Hs  loving  tendrils  'round  the  Cbyrsus  twine. 


xxxix 


1186  up  and  hither  come,  for  mine  heart's  ease, 
Solve  just  one  problem  of  life's  mysteries. 

Che  Casket's  locked,  O  Sahi,  but  I'd  swear 
Chat  from  thy  jeweled  girdle  bang  the  keys. 


"7^F)€  tawny  Lion  roars,  and  jackals  creep 
Xn  pjimrod's  palace,  now  a  tumbled  heap 
Of  shapeless  shards.    f)e  is  oblivious, 
Plunged  in  an  everlasting,  dreamless  sleep. 


VIII 


IIVXXX 


XXXIX 


or  Her  come,  for  mine  heart's  case, 

**^  :>m  problem  of  Ufe'e  mystmce. 

^ched,  O  8ahi,  but  Pd  swear 
cwclcd  girdle  hang  the 


XL 


B 


RIJX6  quickly  here  a  flash  of  ancient  wine, 
Chat  we  may  drink  our  fill  of  juice  benign, 

6re  after-folk  shall  make  from  our  cold  clay, 
Ccar-bottlcs  for  the  weepings  of  the  Tine. 


XLI 

'O  blossom's  odor  e'er  could  be  as  sweet, 
Hs  thy  Breath's  perfume,  when  our  fond  lips  meet; 

Hnd  rosebuds,  peeping  thro'  their  mossy  veils, 
Ht  thy  cheek's  Damask,  blush  at  their  defeat. 


XLII 

those  lashes,  which  might  kings  subdue, 
Hnd  in  those  wellsprings  of  celestial  hue, 

My  soul  shall  bathe,  as  in  the  atmosphere 
Of  Capri's  grotto  of  aerial  blue. 


XLIII 


Beloved,  full  of  witching  grace, 
Beside  me  on  this  bank,  pray  take  thy  place; 

T^hus  quenching  myriad  flames  of  fond  desire, 
Clnvcil  for  me,  my  love,  thy  radiant  face. 


XLIV 


'OC  gaze  on  thce,— impossible  command. 
Hs  well  this  brimming  cup  of  wine  might  stand 

Inverted  in  the  air,  and  yet  as  full, 
Hs  when  I  tooh  it  from  your  lily  hand. 


XLV 

gaze  on  thee,  as  Garth  can  not  but  gaze 
Upon  the  full  Moon's  pure  resplendent  rays, 

JMan  must  look  up  to  lowly  womanhood, 
Hnd  looking  upward,  nobler  deeds  essays. 


- 


XLVI 

5C  all  this  loveliness  must  disappear. 
Che  Crimson  Roses  of  the  yester-year 

Rave  vanished.    Co  their  memory  I  drink, 
Hnd  in  the  wine-cup  drop  a  bitter  tear. 


XLVII 


R6  tears  of  Isis,  in  jVile's  mighty  flood, 
Bewail  Osiris  dead.    Che  Lotus-bud, 

Hfloat  in  tears,  exhales  its  fragrance  where 
Che  asp  drew  star-eyed  Cleopatra's  blood. 


XLVIII 

'6HIN8C  thy  bosom's  snow,  a  rich  breast  knot 
Of  Crimson  Roses  burns;  yet  well  I  wot 

Chat  when  in  ashes,  from  them  there  shall  spring 
Chat  lovely  flower,  the  forget-me-not. 


XLIX 


H 


Beloved:  "Co  the  Cup  that  cheers 
Che  thirsty  soul."  ]Vo  skeleton  appears, 

In  grim  Egyptian  fashion,  warning  us, 
"Chat  these  bright  drops  may  typify  our  tears. 


>OMG,  pledge  me  Love:  and  let  the  draught  be  deep, 
"Che  Night  for  Music,  and  the  Day  for  Sleep." 

Comorrow?    Nay,  that  "leads  to  dusty  death." 
Chen  Laugh  tonight,  tomorrow  we  must 


LI 

V  Baalbcc's  giant  ruins,  high  in  air, 
Some  extinct  tyrant's  cartouche  sculptured  there, 

f)is  occult-graven  name  obliterate, 
X  saw  a  Raven  perch  and  gravely  stare. 


|V  Baalbec's  giant  ruins,  high  in  air, 
Some  extinct  tyrant's  cartouche  sculptured  there, 

f)is  occult-graven  name  obliterate, 
X  saw  a  Raven  perch  and  gravely  stare. 


XLIX 

f>6HLCfi  Beloved:  "Co  the  Cup  that  cheers 
Che  thirsty  soul/'  No  skeleton  appears, 

In  grim  Ggyptun  fashion,  warning  us, 
Chat  these  bright  dtrope  may  typify  our  tears. 


,emin 


for 
.st«*« 

Chen  JLau0h  tonight,  tomorrow  we  must  Oleep. 


•".:•;    . 


LI 


JS  Baalbec*o  giant  ruins,  high  in  air, 
Some  extinct  tyrant's  cartouche  sculptured  there, 

Ris  occult-graven  name  obliterate, 
I  saw  a  Raven  perch  and  gravely  stare. 


LII 

rf)6N  to  that  sorry  effigies  he  cried, 
"Cdhere  is  thy  panoply  of  war?    Cdhere  bide 

"Chy  glorious  triumphs,  where  the  trumpet's  blare 
CHhicb  bruited  far  thy  vaunted  pomp  and  pride  ?" 


LIII 

ff)6  winds  have  scattered  o'er  our  Mother's  breast, 
Che  dust  of  dear  ones,  whom  we  cherished  best. 

Cbcy  lived  and  loved ;  then  flinging  fond  farewells, 
Chey  vanished  at  grim  Hzrael's  behest. 


LIV 

fR6HD  lightly  on  that  sacred  dust;  for  oh, 
Lithe  forms  of  loveliness  again  may  grow 

fVom  this  pale  powder  of  the  loved  and  lost, 
•prom  it,  bright  blossoms  yet  may  bud  and  blow- 


LV 

of  it,  rich  and  rare, 
In  beauty  born,  shall  breathe  the  upper  air, 
"Co  charm  the  Sybarites  who  follow  us. 
"Chen  hiss  the  Dust:  it  was  and  shall  be  fair. 


LVI 

FfilS  3ar  was  once,  lihc  me,  a  creature  filled 
3Qith  love  and  sorrow,  ere  grim  Death  had  chilled 
"Co  potter's  Clay  the  heart,  which  at  the  touch 
Of  some  fair  girl's  long  tresses,  fondly  thrilled. 


LVII 

"CS  graceful,  curving  handle,  which  you  hold, 
•  5Qas  once  a  loving  arm,  which  might  enfold 

Some  fair  one's  necfc,  to  linger  as  she  blushed 
"Co  hear  "Che  sweetest  story  ever  told." 


LVIII 

B  dance  our  figure  as  the  Tina  rings 
•par  in  the  night;  but  when  the  vibrant  strings, 

Coo  high-keyed,  snap,— My  Love,  a  long  Good  Night. 
Death's  dark  Simoom  sweeps  by  on  rushing  wings. 


LIX 


'Re  born,  we  breathe,  we  suffer  and  we  die;" 
Hnd  eagerly  to  hnow  the  reason  why, 
Che  finite  to  the  Infinite  appeals. 
Cbt  gulfs  impassable;  there  is  no  reply. 


H 


LX 

DCXZIN  the  Valley  of  the  Shadow,  pale 
Hnd  cold,  Garth's  pilgrims  pass,  to  lift  the  veil, 

Co  learn  the  mystery  beyond;  but  none 
Return  again,  to  tell  their  wondrous  tale. 


LXI 


,  foolish  Devotee,  thy  futile  prayer. 
Make  thy  heart  humble;  leave  all  to  the  care 
Of  Rim  who  sways  thy  destiny;  and  thou 
things  supernal,  shalt  receive  thy  share. 


LXII 


8  we  know  nothing,  how  can  we  explain; 
Hdd  naught  to  nothing,  how  much  is  the  gain? 

<He  came  from  nothing,  and  to  it  return; 
Cahe  naught  from  nothing,  what  will  then  remain? 


P. 


LXIII 

R  ages,  myths  have  been  esteemed  as  true. 
Ggyptian,  Parsce,  countless  others  too, 
Believed  successive  creeds  that  died. 
H  pleasing  falsehood,  whether  old  or  new 


love 


77T6  dance  our  figure  as  the  Vina  rings 

far  in  the  night;  but  when  the  vibrant  strings, 

Coo  high-keyed,  snap,— jviy  Hove,  a  long  Good  Night. 
Death's  darh  Simoom  sweeps  by  on  rushing  wings. 


LXI 

'GHSe,  foolish  Devotee,  thy  futile  prayer. 
Make  thy  heart  humble:  leave  all  to  the  care 

Of  f>im  who  t-  v  dearinr    and  thou 

Of  things  (wptntti*  -*halt  reeeiw  thy  snare. 


Vs? 


TT 


a 


IIIVJ 


LXII 


tuo 


nl 


TO 


m  nothing,  what  will  then  remain? 


LXII1 

R  ages,  myth*  hawt  been  esteemed  as  true, 
[ypttan,  parsee,  countless  others  too, 
Believed  successive  creeds  that  died.    <flc  love 
H  pleasing  fatothood,  whether  old  or  new. 


LXIV 


f 


not  into  the  great  Creator's  face, 
Cbou  fool,  canst  tbou  invent  a  better  place 

Chan  Bis  grand  masterpiece,  this  world,  enriched 
ftlith  myriad  glories,  by  Bis  own  free  grace? 


LXV 


not  at  things  afar,  too  many  slips 
"Cberc  are  betwixt  the  Sdinc-cup  and  the  lips. 

Despising  life,  and  seeking  fancied  bliss, 
full  many  a  mortal  on  HI  Sirat  trips. 


LXVI 


O  rosy  fingers,  beckoning  from  shies, 
No  Bouris,  bending  down  from  paradise, 

Shall  steep  my  soul  in  glamour;  but  as  naught 
"Che  lure  of  languor  in  their  lustrous  eyes. 


LXVII 


SCORM  mirages.    JHo  faint  ghostly  form 
Can  rouse  in  me  the  wildly  surging  storm 

Of  love;  for  with  my  head  upon  your  breast, 
I  feel  there  e\*ry  heartbeat,  high  and  warm. 

*v  f^~^ 


LXVIII 


t:  Imams  glib,  and  prating  Mollahs  tell 
Of  future  joys  of  ficaVn,  and  pains  of  ficll. 

Be  neither  bribed  nor  frightened  by  such  tales; 
But  smile,  and  ash  them  how  they  hnow  so  well. 


LXIX 

rf)G  Good  is  hnown  by  contrast  with  the  Bad. 
3dere  Grief  unknown,  no  true  heart  could  be  glad: 

tet  ficav'n,  'tis  said,  is  one  unchanging  loy. 
Such  flat  monotony  would  driw  souls  mad. 


the  Valley  of  the  Shadow,  pale 
Hnd  cold,  Garth's  pilgrims  pass,  to  lift  the  veil, 

Co  learn  the  mystery  beyond;  but  none 
Return  again,  to  tell  their  wondrous  tale. 


LXVII 


I 


SCORN  mirages.    No  faint  ghostly  form 
Can  rouse  in  me  the  wildly  surging  storm 

Of  love;  for  with  my  head  upon  your  breast, 
I  feel  there  every  heartbeat,  high  and  warm. 


LXVIII 


LnH 
anT^nfi*^^  f*^^**^"  '«T--T— 

Be  nctthcT»'**We?NftSf  "W^M^nc^  'R^SucnraUs; 
But  smile,  and  aek  them  how  they  know  so  well. 

IX 

Good  is  known  by  contrast  with  the  Bad. 
<Ocre  Grief  unknown,  no  true  heart  could  be  glad: 

^et  fieav'n,  'tis  said,  is  one  unchanging  loy. 
Such  flat  monotony  would  drive  souls  mad. 


f 


LXX 

'OR  every  human  passion,  hope  and  fear, 
Hffection's  smile,  and  tender  pity's  tear, 

Stlith  every  attribute  which  makes  life  sweet, 
Is  blotted  out  in  that  celestial  sphere. 


LXXI 


fieax^n,  all  radiant  with  supernal  light, 
Chose  fiell-fires  glowing  thro'  eternal  night, 

Hre  simply  flimsy  "  ignes  fattii," 
Slhich  Reason's  dawn  has  driven  into  flight. 


LXXII 

C  ficll  and  fieaven  on  this  earth  abide. 
Both  must  be  tasted,  or  none  could  decide 

Slhich  either  were.   Chen  quite  contented  rest, 
Without  some  Sorrow,  loy  would  be  denied. 


LXXIII 


angry  storms  o'ercast  our  smiling  shies, 
Hnd  dim  the  twin-stars  of  your  sapphire  eyes 

CClith  rainy  tears,  O  then  indeed  would  I 
H  sense  of  earthly  torment  realize. 


LXX1V 


B 


CIC  ah,  the  glimpse  of  Reav'n,  when  lucent  spears 
Shoot  thro'  the  storm-cloud,  as  it  disappears; 

Hnd  sparkling  rays,  from  out  thy  clearing  orbs, 
Mahc  softly  tinted  rainbows  in  thy  tears. 


LXXV 

SD  Coo-Coo-Coo,  soft  flutes  the  turtle-dove, 
In  murmurous  music,  from  the  boughs  above 
Our  greenery;  and  with  her  Coo-Coo-Coot 
She  tells  her  innocent  and  trusting  love. 


LXXVI 


8  when  from  Yemen's  gulf,  the  sailor  clears, 
Co  reach  the  8ea  of  Oman,  boldly  steers 
Hmid  the  perils  of  that  rocfcy  strait, 
Cdhich  Hrab  seamen  call  "Che  Gate  of  Cears," 


LXXVII 


16'LL  trust  our  bark  upon  the  ocean  vast 
Of  6od's  eternity,  nor  dread  the  blast 

Of  wrath  Divine,  to  wrech  the  vessel  frail, 
Cdhcn  thro'  life's  narrow  channel  it  has  passed. 


LXXVIH 


faith's  anchor,  in  distress  we'd  drift 
Upon  life's  lee  shore,  to  destruction  swift: 

But  what  were  anchors,  without  holding-ground, 
Che  solid  ground  of  fact,  not  sands  that  shift. 


LXXIX 


HLLHfi,  thus  I  offer  ^hce  my  prayer: 
Make  my  heart  easy  in  this  world  of  care, 
Conceal  from  humankind  my  evil  deeds, 
Hnd  make  my  earthly  burden  light  to  bear. 


'f  doubts  assail  thee,  with  thy  weak  hand  grip 
Chine  Hlkoran;  and  let  the  stronger  clip 

dithin  its  clutch,  the  dim-cup's  slender  stem. 
Xn  ^aith  or  Clnfaith,  thou  canst  read, — or  sip. 


LXXIX 


15  HLLHfi,  thus  I  offer  Cbce  my  prayer: 
Mahe  my  heart  easy  Cn  this  world  of  care, 
Conceal  frcm  humankind  my  evil  deeds, 
Hnd  mafcc  my  earthly  burden  light  to  bear. 


VXXXJ 

LXXX 


for  saving  this  wine-sodden  jar  of  clay 


I, XXXI 


Origin  and  wisely  placed 

Beyond  all  human  hen, 'twere  idle  TT 

Of  time  to  guess  Olhcncc  Came,  or  (Hhithcr  Gone. 
Ht  both  ends  is  th  J  path  effaced. 


LXXXII 

RGHD  is  not  made  from  wheat  that's  yet  to  grow; 
Nor  from  that  hid  in  Pharaoh's  tomb  below. 

Che  garnered  grain  alone  is  food.    Chen  use 
Che  present,  let  the  past  and  future  go. 


LXXXIII 


FF)G  grave  philosophers,  who  seek  to  teach, 
Hnd  wild  enthusiasts,  who  fain  would  preach 
Of  6od's  mysterious  purpose,  hnow  it  all. 
Did  not  to  fieav'n,  the  Cower  of  Babel  reach? 


LXXXIV 

ISD  yet  it  may  be  there  is  still  a  doubt. 
Mayhap  the  thousand  jarring  sects  which  shout 

Chat  each  one's  is  the  undiluted  Cruth, 
Hre  fooled  in  what  each  seems  too  sure  about. 


MO 

-, 


LXXXV 

doubts  assail  thce,  with  thy  wcah  hand  grip 
"Chine  Hlhoran;  and  let  the  stronger  clip 

Cdithin  its  clutch,  the  <Hinc-cup's  slender  stem. 
In  faith  or  dnfaith,  thou  canst  read,— or  sip. 


LXXXVI 

CHN  not  live  without  the  ruby  wine. 
Vitality  itself  conies  from  the  Tine. 

Without  its  tonic,  I  could  never  bear 
My  heavy  load  on  earth;  nor  aid  with  thine. 


B 


LXXXVII 

1C  still  impends  the  irony  of  fate. 
My  desert-thirst  I'm  doomed  to  satiate 

In  some  fair  hour  alas;  and  can  not  drain 
Chat  "one  more  cup"  that's  offered  me  too  late. 


LXXXVIII 


mourn  thy  sins,  O  Mfrza,  why  such  grief? 
plague  thyself  affords  thce  no  relief. 
Chen  cease  thy  mourning;  for  thou  hast  no  time, 
Chis  life,  for  joy  alone,  is  all  too  brief. 


LXXXIX 


thou  not  sinned,  couldst  ewr  hope  to  hnow 
"Che  gentle  quality  of  mercy?   Lo, 

for  sin  was  mercy  made.    Cdouldst  thou  defeat 
Its  hindly  purpose,  while  it  ycamcth  so? 


xc 


FfiH"C  orient  pearl,  Obedience,  so  rare, 
I  haw  not  pierced;  nor  from  the  unused  stair 

dp  to  the  throne,  haw  humbly  swept  the  dust, 
<Qhich  undisturbed  by  me,  lies  thichly  there. 


XCI 


at  my  utmost  need,  I'll  not  despair 
Of  reaching  that  celestial  Divan,  where 

Presidctb  ]Mmy;  for  I  never  haw 
Been  too  importunate  with  it  in  prayer. 


XCII 

^OCIR  Sapphire,  with  its  coruscating  ray, 
Che  tfar,  which  cools  our  wine  this  summer  day, 

Che  Hookah's  creamy  bowl,  and  <He  who  smoke, 
HU  boast  no  higher  origin  than  clay. 


'T"'f>e  slender,  porous  jar  which  cools  our  wine, 
Olas  shapeless,  useless  clay,  until  Design 

Co  all  unconscious  it,  gave  graceful  form, 
Hs  Chou  wcrt  modeled  by  a  pow'r  Divine. 


XCI 


at  my  utmost  need,  I'll  not  despair 
Of  reaching  that  celestial  Divan,  where 

prcsideth  Mercy?  for  I  never  haw 
Been  too  importunate  with  it  in  prayer* 


Sapphire,  with  its  coruscating  ray, 
Che  lar,  which  coole  our  wine  this  summer  day, 

Che  Roohah's  crcamj?  bowl,  and  SHe  who  smoke, 
HU  boast  no  higher  origin  than  clay. 


XCIII 


WXC  sparkling  gem,  which  faintly  typifies 
Che  tender  love-light  in  thy  deep  blue  eyes, 
«las  only  clay.    Sdhcn,  lo,  the  Hlchemist, 
In  cosmic  fires,  bade  it  crystallize. 


xciv 


r>HC  clay,  once  fabled  as  the  sea-foam  blown 
from  raging  billows,  and  then  turned  to  stone, 

Is  sculptured  for  a  smoking  censer  sweet, 
from  chaos,  thus  has  use  and  beauty  grown. 


xcv 

ff)6  slender,  porous  jar  which  cools  our  wine, 
Cdas  shapeless,  useless  clay,  until  Design 

Co  all  unconscious  it,  gave  graceful  form, 
Hs  Cbou  wcrt  modeled  by  a  powV  Divine. 


XCVI 


Cbou,  the  ideal  of  a  sculptor's  dream, 
ftlhose  peerless  beauty  is  the  poet's  theme, 

CQast  made  a  living  image  from  that  clay, 
"Che  triumph  of  an  Hrtist  most  supreme. 


B 


-.• 


XCVII 


neither  ©em,  nor  3ar,  nor  Pipe,  nor  "Cbou, 
know  F)is  reasons;  for  the  CClhy  and  Row 
HU  things  were  made,  remains  inscrutable. 
Can  F)e,  to  Clay,  those  purposes  avow? 


-— - 


cup  to  fruitful  Bother  €arth,  which  gave 
Che  Grape,  I  pour  upon  the  dusty  grave 

Of  him  who  dranh ;  who,  if  his  spirit  live, 
jviust  still  the  flavor  of  the  grape-juice  crave. 


XCVI 


"6JNf  T3hou,  the  ideal  of  a  sculptor's  dream# 
Ctthose  peerless  beauty  is  the  poet's  theme, 

CBast  made  a  living  image  from  that  clay, 
"Che  triumph  of  an  Hrtist  most  supreme. 


Can  F>e,  to  C-U^»  those  purposes  avow? 


xcvm 


F),  true  my  love,  it  were  but  tempting  fate, 
Co  waste  these  rosy  hours  in  dull  debate. 

Co  wet  my  too-dry  philosophic  clay, 
Che  flagon-bearer  and  the  Ctline-cup  wait. 


xcix 


not  balh  the  generous  design, 
Hpparent  in  the  purple-clustered  Tine; 

But  brighten  up  a  spirit  dull,  with  all 
Che  garnered  sunshine  in  this  sparkling  wine. 


rf)6  tender  breathings  of  sweet  vernal  days, 
Che  glow  of  summer,  autumn's  golden  haze, 

Che  laugh  of  maidens  and  the  Vintage-song, 
Hll  mingle  in  the  brimming  cup  I  raise. 


CI 

pledge  "Che  6ood,  the  Beautiful,  the  Crue," 
Cby  fieart,  thy  Coral  Lips,  thine  6yes  of  Blue, 

CCbich  rest  on  me  in  tenderness  the  while 
I  drain  the  Cup.    My  Low,  I  drinh  to  you. 


H 


CII 

SO  being  thirsty  from  long  abstinence, 
I  drinh  once  more  "Confusion  to  pretense," 

Hnd  call  on  all  good  fellows  to  unite 
In  this,  my  heartiest  of  sentiments. 


CHI 

[NO  since  I've  toasted  both  my  Love  and  Rate, 
Hnd  still  am  sore  athirst,  'tis  not  too  late 

Co  drinh  one  glorious  bumper  to  the  <8ine, 
<ahicb  thus  can  eulogize  and  reprobate. 


CIV 


cup  to  fruitful  Mother  Garth,  which  gave 
Che  Grape,  I  pour  upon  the  dusty  grave 

Of  him  who  drank;  who,  if  his  spirit  live, 
Must  still  the  flavor  of  the  grape-juice  crave. 


|M 


cv 

G"CF)INKS,  amid  our  garden's  deepened  gloom, 
Night's  Spirit  strays,  to  steal  the  soft  perfume 

Chose  Beauties  breathe  in  his  seraglio; 
Hnd  fondly  revel  in  their  luscious  bloom. 


cvi 

rf)G  Rosebud's  swelling  charms  uplift  the  fold 
Of  her  green  cymar.    Now  her  heart  of  gold 

Is  opened  to  the  Nightingale,  her  lord; 
Hnd  thrillingly  his  talc  of  love  is  told. 


CVII 

;R  now  the  bulbuU  hidden  from  our  sight, 
Dours  forth  ecstatic  song.    Cdith  fond  delight, 

I  feel  the  tender  starlight  of  thine  eyes. 
O  Low:  O  JMusic:  O  transcendent  Night. 


CVIII 

FfiG  warblings  of  the  brown-bird,  half  adream, 
Like  echoes  from  the  gurgling  flagon  seem, 

Hs  lovingly  it  leans  to  fill  for  us, 
Our  crystal  goblets  with  the  ruby's  gleam. 


CIX 

D  thy  sweet  singing,  touch  the  Tina's  strings, 
Hnd  as  the  liquid  music  'round  us  rings, 

Sde  float  away  to  Lotus-land,  upborne 
On  Xsrafil's  harmonic-waving  wings. 


f    ' 


each  wrathful  "revelation"  made 
On  Mountain-top,  where  vivid  lightnings  played, 

<Oas  but  some  starving  hermifs  frenzied  dream, 
transcribed  before  the  phantasy  could  fade. 


now  the  bulbul,  hidden  from  our  sight, 
pours  forth  ecstatic  song.    (Hitb  fond  delight, 

I  feel  the  tender  starlight  of  thine  eyes. 
O  Love:  O  Music:  O  transcendent  Night. 


vixo 

CVIII 


rtorteiwst  "  Jutftoiw  dwss 


Hs 
Our  crystal  goblets  with  the  ruby's  gleam. 


cix 


FO  thy  sweet  singing,  touch  the  Tina's  strings, 
Hnd  as  the  liquid  music  'round  us  rings, 

CUc  float  away  to  Lotus-land,  upborne 
On  Israfil's  harmonic-waving  wings. 


B 


ex 

d"C  stern  anxieties  their  vigils  hecp, 
^Throughout  the  darkened  hours,  when  raptures  steep 

Our  souls  in  sweetness;  and  dull  Day  renews 
"Che  fancies  gendered  in  the  Prophet's  sleep. 


CXI 

;R  while  we  lagged,  "Cruth  left  us  in  the  lurch. 
)isheartcned,  we  again  take  up  the  search, 

Hnd  seek  in  vain  thro'  all  the  sacred  tomes, 
By  which  each  nation  vindicates  its  church. 


CXII 

'HCfi  race  believes  its  Koran  to  be  true, 
fiindu,  Ggyptian,  Roman,  Curh  and  3cw, 

Sdith  equal  truth  and  vigor  will  maintain 
Chat  Reav'n  vouchsafed  to  each  the  only  clue. 


CXIII 

eLI6ION-MHKeR8  of  all  times  have  taught 
By  pious  impositions.    CQhat  they  wrought 

Hs  miracles,  were  only  specious  trichs; 
Hnd  each,  with  all  his  frauds,  has  come  to  naught* 


cxiv 

each  wrathful  "revelation''  made 
On  Mountain-top,  where  vivid  lightnings  played, 

<Qas  but  some  starving  hermit's  frenzied  dream, 
"Cranscribcd  before  the  Phantasy  could  fade. 


F)GN  wen  •  with  speculation  in  their  eyes, 
Some  later  revelations  would  devise, 

'Co  make  it  easier  for  them  to  tread 
"Che  thorny  path  laid  out  to  Paradise. 


rjSD  so  the  weary  catalogue  proceeds, 
fantastic  theories  and  clashing  creeds 

Hre  still  invented  for  the  credulous. 
On  -fraud  the  giant  Superstition  feeds. 


cxvn 


cunning  Hugurs,  middle-men  of  fate, 
to  themselves  alone  would  arrogate 
"Che  powV  to  read  a  thunderstorm  aright, 
Hnd  Nature's  language  to  the  folk  translate, 


CXVIII 


kHV6  their  successors.    Should  a  lightning  stroke 
7ust  miss  a  man-tnadc  mosque,  a  God-made  oak 
'Co  rend;  they  prate  of  "Special  providence "; 
Hnd  lo,  in  wonder  gape  the  common  folk. 


. 


CXIX 

3JV  purblind  in  this  dim  religious  light, 
Still  gropes  on  thro'  those  visions  of  a  night 
Cdhile  yet,  the  only  Revelation  ever  made, 
"Che  Book  of  Nature,  opens  in  his  sight. 


cxx 


rF)IS  is  no  tome  in  antiquated  phrase, 
Che  garbled  history  of  ancient  days, 

CQhcn  pseudo-prophets  led  the  blinded  hosts, 
through  crooked  paths,  in  error's  darkened  ways. 


CXXIV 


by  the  path  thy  careless  feet  have  trod, 
Sweet  violets  in  humble  beauty  nod. 

Do  they  teach  nothing?    lUarn  the  lovely  truth, 
"Hnd  look  through  Mature,  up  to  Nature's  God." 


CXVIII 


f> 


1HV6  their  successors.    Should  a  lightning  strobe 
7ust  miss  a  man-made  mosque,  a  God-made  oak 
Co  rend;  they  prate  of  "Special  providence "j 
Hnd  lo,  in  wonder  gape  the  common  folk. 


VIXXO 


M 


«bort 

purblind  in  frfo* 
,d turt 

££*&  e'^^  ct  qu 

Che  Book  of  Nature , 


cxx 


is  no  tome  in  antia/ftftd  phrase, 
Che  garbled  history  c*  *      nt  days, 

Qlhcn  pseudo-pro   «x'     »ed  the  blinded  hosts, 
Chrough  crooked  p  <tfr     m  error's  darkened  ways. 


CXXI 


O  volume  this  of  human  origin, 
Replete  with  threats  of  punishment  for  sin, 

Hnd  scant  reward  for  virtue ;  but  the  ftlord 
Of  God,  pure,  undefiled  and  genuine. 


cxxn 


HCfi  opening  year,  a  grand  edition  new, 
Cttitb  lovely  illustrations,  meets  our  view, 

<Hith  no  "  errata "  in  a  supplement* 
No  false  is  there  entangled  with  the  Crue. 


cxxm 

that  booh.    Cast  all  Korans  aside. 
Hbate  thy  foolish  overweening  pride, 

Learn  thou  the  alphabet  of  God  therein, 
Hnd  then  thy  knowledge  shall  be  multiplied. 


CXXIV 

by  the  path  thy  careless  feet  have  trod, 
Sweet  violets  in  humble  beauty  nod. 

Do  they  teach  nothing?    Learn  the  lovely  truth, 
"Hnd  look  through  Nature,  up  to  Nature's  God." 


cxxv 


humble  student  who  expounds  the  laws 
Of  Nature,  rather  than  a  musty  clause 

In  some  Hpocrypha,  uplifts  mankind 
far  higher,  nearer,  to  the  Great  first  Cause. 


cxxvi 


H 


CdORJVI  may  apprehend  Omnipotence, 
But  Man  can  comprehend  it  in  no  sense; 

Nor  grasp  the  deep  intense  significance 
Of  what  it  means  to  rule  the  elements. 


CXXVII 


D 


thy  premises  before  dispute. 
Sharp  definition  is  the  ripest  fruit 

Of  knowledge.    Canst  thou  Deity  define? 
"Chen  let  thy  sacrilegious  tongue  be  mute* 


CXXVIII 

F>e  Chrone,  which  he  should  humbly  venerate, 
Row  impious  in  man  to  desecrate; 

Not  by  up-climbing,  but  by  dragging  down 
"Che  Majesty  beyond  his  estimate. 


cxxix 

f)HC  fools  these  mortals  be."    Since  time  began, 
Persisting  in  their  self-conceited  plan, 

Incapable  of  being  god-like  men, 
Must  have  their  God  on  level  with  the  man. 


cxxx 

CdH^  then  with  these  man-invented  lies, 
pour  out  the  wine,  the  prophet's  law  denies 

Onto  the  faithful.    H  libation  pour 
Upon  the  altar  where  we  sacrifice 


--• 


CXXXI 


that  Infinitude,  to  expiate 
Our  arrogance;  and  mcehly,  humbly  wait 

Bis  own  solution  of  the  mystery, 
Slhich  finite  mind  can  never  penetrate. 


amam 


c  • 


